Tarquini and Michelisz are the biggest names confirmed so far for the inaugural season of new touring car competition as only Belgian Comtoyou Racing announced their drivers (Aurelien Panis and Denis Dupont) while the other Belgian team Boutsen Ginion Racing confirmed two-car entry but without names.

Michelisz and Tarquini have already been teammates when Hungarian tested for Honda in 2015 and last year in one WTCC round when Tarquini joined Honda as a replacement for injured Tiago Monteiro. Michelisz spent the previous five WTCC seasons with Honda, finishing as a runner-up last year.

Norbert Michelisz and Gabriele Tarquini

“I have the same feeling as I did at the start of my career. I’m working with a new team, a new car and in a new championship. It’s a new challenge, which is great motivation for me. I’m looking forward to working with Gabriele again, and learning from his experience testing before the first races. Last year it was clear the i30 N TCR and BRC Racing Team were the package to beat, so I’m certain we can challenge for wins and the title this season,” said Michelisz.

On the other side, Gabriele Tarquini is with Hyundai and BRC Racing Team since the beginning of their touring car programme, participating in a development of a new race car and racing as a guest (not eligible to score points) in two rounds of the TCR International Series, showing an impressive performance of a Hyundai i30 N TCR.

“After leading the testing for the i30 N TCR last year I know the car very well. This season will be a fantastic opportunity to put the experience both I, and the team, have to compete at the very front of the new championship. I’m looking to a full season of racing once again, competing in what I am sure will be a very tough and competitive championship,” said Tarquini.